The IPL is expected to witness one of the most high-profile transfer deals between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the 2026 season.
However, the trade involving RR skipper Sanju Samson and CSK all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran has reportedly hit a temporary roadblock.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the hurdle is caused by Royals already having eight overseas players in their IPL roster, and as per regulations, a franchise cannot have more than eight overseas players.
Hence, RR cannot sign England’s Curran from CSK in a trade deal unless they release at least one foreign player who was signed for a minimum of Rs 2.40 crore in the mega auction last year.
“The delay is due to a procedural complication because of the inclusion of a third player in the deal. The third player happens to be an overseas cricketer, and the Royals’ overseas quota is already full. As per the regulatory compulsions, they cannot accommodate Sam Curran of England in their roster unless they release one of their existing foreign players," the report stated.
“Adding to the complexity is the meagre balance in their player purse—they are left with only Rs 30 lakh, while Curran’s auction value is Rs 2.4 crore," it added.
RR retained Shimron Hetmyer for Rs 11 crore ahead of the mega auction last year and then roped in Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka and Nandre Burger in the auction. They also acquired the services of South African youngster Lhuan-dre Pretorius as an injury replacement.
It has been reported that to make way for Curran, Royals might left go of Hasaranga and Theekshana, who were fetched for Rs 5.25 and Rs 4.40 crore, respectively.
As far as the swap between Jadeja and Samson is concerned, it is not an issue since both of them are Indian players and were retained for Rs 18 crore each by their IPL franchises ahead of the mega auction last year.
There is a possibility that the trade deal could fall apart, but the chances of that happening are very low.
“Possible but unlikely," a source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. “I cannot guarantee it will not be stalled. But having come this far, the likelihood of one of them backing out is less."
